Container

ABSTRACT

A collapsible container, which maximizes the collapsed height to non-collapsed storage volume ratio, includes four vertical side assemblies, a base member and a top support frame. The base member defines a footprint of “x” length and “y” width. In the collapsed state, the vertical height of the container assembly is equivalent to five thicknesses of the base and in the non-collapsed state, the vertical height is equal to the shorter of “x” and “y.” A collapsible container is further provided in which, in the collapsed condition, all side walls and the top overlie the base and two opposed side walls are folded.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers or boxes specifically such storagedevices that are used to store and/or deliver goods to a destination.Accordingly, while reference will be made below to containers, it shouldbe understood that this term is used, as far as the invention isconcerned, in connection with such having wider uses.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The purpose of a container is to store parts, typically manufactured ona mass scale. Containers are employed in many industries and used for avariety of different applications. The soft drinks industry employshundreds of thousands of containers to store plastic caps/enclosures andbottle preforms. Such products are typically transported from amanufacturing company to a customer.

Often in today's global economy the manufacturing company and thecustomer could be many miles apart, even countries apart. It is highlydesirable that the containers are designed with due respect to theloading/off-loading and storage in the transportation means, herewithreferred as a lorry.

Furthermore in today's environmentally conscious society, reusablecontainers are highly fashionable. As such, the reusable element of thecontainer dictates that the containers need to be transported too andfrom the manufacturing company to the customer.

On the return journey, the containers are typically empty. The economicsof transportation costs, fuel and vehicle tax mean that it is highlydesirable to make the returning container as compact as possible,thereby allowing as many containers as possible into the lorry means.

Therefore a significant environmental and cost saving benefits can berealised if the container is designed to be the most compact possiblewhen stored yet open out so that it can contain/store the most volume ofcontents in its operational position.

Given the mass producing industry is extremely time conscious, it deemedadvantageous if said container can be easily compressed, after use asnot only does this reduce the warehouse space required to store thecontainers, it means that more containers can be installed in the lorry.

Pigott et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,414,271 teaches a container which containsthree fundamental and separate elements; a top member, a bottom memberand a sleeve member. Said assembly is designed to be compressed inheight by removing the sleeve member from engagement with the top andbottom members. Unfortunately, in practice, this is quite a lengthy andcumbersome procedure to complete. Furthermore, the folding sleeve memberis relatively thin and weak under compressive loads when the containeris full of components and stacked one on top of another in warehousestorage. Therefore, in practice, metallic braces are employed to supportthe sleeve and to prevent buckling under such compressive conditions.Said metallic braces further prevent and hinder the folding viability ofsaid container.

It is therefore deemed specifically advantageous if said container iseasily and quickly foldable for empty storage yet is strong undercompressive loads when filled and stacked. Furthermore said foldingmechanism and procedure should be inherently safe and controllable bycontainer design.

It is furthermore advantageous if the container is substantially waterresistant, so that the contents and the container can be left outside,un covered. This has clear warehouse/storage space saving advantages.Containers are often employed in conjunction with fork-lift trucks. Theforks on a fork-lift truck are particularly prone to damagingcontainers, causing expensive repair costs for the user. It is deemedadvantageous if the container is substantially resistant to said damage.Furthermore, forklift truck operators are known to shunt two or morecontainers together to slide them over a given distance. This oftenresults in further damage therefore again, if the container discouragesthe forklift truck driver to shunt, it will reduce container damage.

Containers are also placed on conveyors, for transportation aroundindustrial premises application. Again, certain features of thecontainer, specifically the containers feet are prone to damage whenmounted on said conveyor, primarily because of the unevenness of theconveyoring system and joining practice between two or more conveyors.Hence advantages are obtained if the container is less-prone to suchdamage.

Containers are designed to hold mass produced parts, often such partsare manufactured from plastic. When such parts are poured into and outof the containers, they rub together creating static electricity. It isdeemed to be further advantageous if the container has means todissipate said static electric to ground/safe place.

Lastly, containers are used in their hundreds of thousands, hence areoften moulded in mass production processes as plastic moulding/forming.The production equipment complexity and costs in said industry is high,therefore it is deemed of great value if the top, base and walls of theare of a modular construction where the same part is employed in morethan one location in the container assembly. This reduces the mouldcosts, making the container more economical to produce and sell.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a collapsiblecontainer, comprising of four vertical side assemblies, a base memberand a top support frame, said base member substantially defining thefootprint of the container of “x” length and “y” width, whereby in thecollapsed state the vertical height of the container assembly is thetotal sum of thicknesses “t” of the base and side members substantiallyequivalent to five lots of “t”, yet in the non-collapsed state thevertical height of the container assembly is substantially equivalent tothe shorter length of the container footprint; “x” length or “y” width.

Preferably the container includes a top member, whereby in the collapsedstate the vertical height of the container assembly is the total sum ofthicknesses “t” of the base and side members substantially equivalent tosix lots of “t”, yet in the non-collapsed state the vertical height ofthe container assembly is substantially equivalent to the shorter lengthof the container footprint “x” length or “y” width.

Preferably the top, base and four side members/assemblies aresubstantially solid in construction so that when the container is in thefully collapsed or non-collapsed position its inside surfaces areinherently free from water penetration.

Preferably at least one of the side members has a folding construction,comprising of two or more members which are pivotally hinged about theirhorizontal axis.

Preferably at least one of the side members is pivotally hinged to thebase member and/or the top frame.

Preferably at least one of the side members is pivotally hinged to thebase only and substantially of monolithic, solid construction in thatwhen decoupled from the other members, under gravity said constructioncreates a wind-break, which cushions the velocity of the side memberfall.

Preferably the substantially monolithic side member is hinged in avertical axis to the base and/or top frames, whereby the axis of pivotis displaced to the vertical hinging axis of the opposing side member.

Preferably at least one of the side members incorporates a handledevice, which preferably is pivotally attached to said side member andweighted so that it falls vertically flush when not used.

Preferably the side member assembly comprising of two or more hingedmembers, is hinged to the base and/or top frames in a vertical axiswhereby the axis of pivot is displaced to the vertical hinging axis ofthe opposing side member.

Preferably each side member is hinged to the base and/or top frames in adifferent vertical axis from any other side member.

Preferably the top member is pivotally hinged to the top frame andpreferably comprises of two or more members.

Preferably the container assembly includes a base frame and the basemember is pivotally hinged to said base frame and preferably one or moreof the side wall members are pivotally hinged to said base frame.

Preferably the base comprises of two or more members which whenunsupported in the vertical position are permitted to fall under gravityexposing the inner surfaces of the container.

Preferably, the top frame incorporates a vertical sliding hinge assemblywhich permits relative vertical displacement between said top frame andone or more of the side members.

Preferably, the container assembly is modular in that it may be employedto contain components such as preforms which do not need to be placedinside a liner as well as components that are required to be placedinside a liner.

Preferably, at least one top members incorporates a substantiallyratcheted sealing roller which automatically releases the liner when thelip opens and/or permits

Preferably, one or more of the side members are non-permanently attachedto another side member and/or the top and/or base frames by a handlecomprising of a live spring like joining means. Preferably said handleis also designed to resist forces at 90 degrees to the live spring sothat it may be employed as a side panel lifting device.

Embodiments of container in accordance with the present invention may besuch that the arrangement includes one or more anti-tamper devices whichnotify the user when the inner surfaces of the non-collapsed sealedcontainer have been exposed.

Furthermore, the embodiments include the containers ability to dispensecomponents through either the bottom member or top member.

Embodiments also include the modularity aspects of the design wherebyone member is used in multiple positions, not least the fact that thetop frame and bottom frame are identical parts which may or may not beorientated differentially. Furthermore, embodiments include themodularity of the side members, specifically the opposing side memberswhich are of identical construction.

According to the present invention there is provided a collapsiblecontainer, comprising of four vertical side assemblies, a base member, atop member, a base support frame and a top support frame, said baseframe member substantially defining the footprint of the container of“x” length and “y” width, whereby in the collapsed state the verticalheight of the container assembly is the total sum of thicknesses “t” ofthe base, top and side members substantially equivalent to ten lots of“t” as each side member is horizontally hinged and comprises of two ormore members and each member has substantially the same footprint as thecontainer, yet in the non-collapsed state the vertical height of thecontainer assembly is substantially equivalent to twice that of theshorter length of the container footprint; “x” length or “y” width.

Preferably the container base frame member can accept one or feetmembers of sufficient vertical height so to accept the forks from a forklift truck used to lift the container. Preferably six feet members areemployed, in two assemblies either side of the access/opening for theforklift truck.

Preferably each feet assembly comprises of three feet which aresupported by horizontal and/or vertical webbing.

Preferably at least one front or rear foot has a chamfer adjacent to thefloor so that when the container sits on a conveyor, said chamferaccommodates any vertical displacement variance between two or moreconveyors without damaging the foot.

Preferable at least one front and rear foot has a vertical chamferadjacent to the corner of the container. This female chamber permits asubstantially male protrusion of a 3^(rd) party frame to contact theunderside of the container and thereby take the load of the containerwhen the container is positioned over a hole and the bottom members opento release the contents of the container.

Preferably, the container includes a customer identification member withanti-tamper feature, thereby permitting the traceability of the contentsback to the supplier.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda collapsible container comprising a base, a top and first and secondpairs of opposed side walls, each of said side walls being hingedlymounted on said base for movement between an uncollapsed condition, inwhich said side wall extends from the base to the top, and a collapsedcondition in which side wall overlies said base, the side walls of thefirst pair being non-foldable and one of said side walls being arrangedto overlie the other of said side walls when in their collapsedcondition, the side walls of the second pair being foldable into twoparts about a substantially central hinge lying parallel to the base sothat, in their collapsed condition, the side walls are folded and oneoverlies the other.

Preferably the side walls of the second pair are hingedly connected tothe top such that, with these side walls in their collapsed condition,the top overlies them and the base.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are as follows:

FIG. 1 is an isometric assembly view of the container of the invention.

FIG. 2 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows the monolithic side panelpivotally hinging about the base frame.

FIG. 3 corresponds to FIG. 2 and shows the opposing monolithic sidepanel pivotally hinging about the base frame.

FIG. 4 corresponds to FIG. 3 and shows both opposing monolithic sidepanels in their most compact vertical position.

FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 4 and shows a bi-fold side panel pivotallyhinged about the top and base frame

FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 5 and shows one fully collapsed bi-fold panelin its most compact vertical position.

FIG. 7 corresponds to FIG. 6 and shows the fully collapsed position ofthe container.

FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows the container of the inventionwith a hinged top member.

FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows the container of the inventionwith a hinged bottom member, showing a shoot design by way of exampleonly.

FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows an enlarged version of thecustomer identification member.

FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows an enlarged version of thebi-fold side member handle.

FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 8 and shows both top members of thecontainer in the open position.

FIG. 13 shows a partial longitudinal view on the front foot assembly ofthe container of the invention.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 shows a partial longitudinal cross section of ahinge of the invention showing the live-spring retaining mechanism.

FIG. 16 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows an enlarged version of themonolithic side member handle with a live-spring mechanism.

FIG. 17 corresponds to FIG. 12 and shows an enlarged version of theintegral ratchet liner mechanism in the top member.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the non-collapsed container with avertically sliding hinge mechanism in the top support frame in itsextended position.

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the part-collapsed container with avertically sliding hinge mechanism in the top support frame in itsextended position.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the collapsed container with a verticallysliding hinge mechanism in the top support frame in its contractedposition.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of the erected container with one sideassembly, comprising of two side panels. Said assembly having twohorizontal hinge mechanisms

FIG. 22 corresponds to FIG. 21 and shows a view of the upper side panelpivoting on the upper hinge of the lower side panel and the lower sidepanel pivoting on the lower hinge with the base frame

FIG. 23 shows an isometric view of the security system, for boxidentification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric assembly view of the container 10 of theinvention.

The container 10 comprises of a two opposing bi-fold side assemblies 11and 12 (not shown). Said bi-fold assemblies 11 and 12 are substantiallymodular and interchangeable. This embodiment has specific advantages inthe production ease/costs of manufacturing the container.

Side bi-fold assembly 11 comprises of an upper side member 13 and alower side member 14 pivotally coupled to each other about hinge 15. Byway of example only, said hinge 15 comprises of a series ofsubstantially circular male 16 and female 17 boss members,longitudinally meshing together. Each boss member has a central commonorifice whereby a circular rod (not shown) provides the means of theupper and lower side members 13 and 16 to connectabily pivot.

In a similar manner, upper side member 13 is pivotally connected to thetop support frame 18 and the lower side member 14 is pivotally connectedto the bottom support frame 19

A significant advantage of the container of invention is that topsupport frame 18 and bottom support frame 19 are modular and ofidentical construction, but shown, preferably in a non-identicalorientation. This modularity again provides substantial manufacturingcost/ease benefits.

The bottom support frame 19 is securely connected to two or more feetassemblies 20. Said feet assemblies 20 comprising of at least two feet21 and 22 longitudinally spaced and preferably positioned on the cornersof the container. For additional support, a third foot 23 is preferred,positioned midway between feet 21 and 22. Said feet 21, 22 and 23 arelongitudinally supported by horizontal support 24 and preferably avertical support (not shown). Said vertical support serves two purposes.Firstly it supports the feet members 21, 22 and 23 helping to preventdamage if knocked. Secondly it blocks off the side access between thefeet 21, 22 and 23 both opposing container sides. This means that theforklift may only enter and subsequently lift the container 10 from thefloor in any of the other two other opposing sides 25 and 26 (notshown). This vertical support member embodiment is deemed as asignificant user advantage.

From FIG. 1, the container 10 incorporates two substantially modular andpreferably monolithic side panels 30 and 31 (not shown). Both sidepanels 30 and 31 and pivotally coupled to the base support frame 19 in asimilar method as previously described.

Said side panels 30 and 31 are preferably locked in position by one ormore live-spring handle assemblies 32 and 33. These will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 16.

The top member 34 and 35 are preferably pivotally coupled to the topsupport frame 18 in a similar manner as previously described.

Often containers are shipped to a variety of customers from one commonmanufacturer. Customer and content identification of the container istherefore extremely important. Prior art techniques of providing saidinformation include stickers and labels. These can be scrapped andattacked by various weather conditions.

From FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention is to provide ameans to attach, store and protect said vital customer informationintegral with the container by way of an identification member 40. Saididentification member 40 also includes an anti-tamper mechanism 41 andwill further be described with reference to FIG. 10.

Since the containers 10 of the invention are often required to bestacked on top of each other, the top members 34 and 35 have one or moremale protruding feature 45. The position and orientation of said maleprotruding features 45 correspond to female protruding orifices 46 (notshown) in the feet assembly members 23. This male 45 and female 46engagement provides locational support for said stacked containerspermitting them to be stacked safely.

On one or more corners of the bottom support frame 19 is an anti-shuntmechanism 47. If containers 10 are pushed together by a forklift truckdriver in a shunting operation, they are prone to damage, specificallythe feet 21 can break. Said anti-shunt mechanism 47 of the inventionensures that if the containers are pushed together they will not alignperfectly. If they don't align, the shunting operation can not beperformed. This embodiment of the invention is particularly useful tousers as it reduces the repair/refurbishment costs of the containers 10.

FIG. 2 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows the monolithic side panel 10pivotally hinging 50 about the base frame 19.

An embodiment of the invention is that the side, top and base panels aresubstantially solid in construction. This clearly provides a weatherresistant feature of the container, protecting the contents. However,equally as important is that the design creates a wind break as the sidemember 30 falls with gravity.

Therefore, by design, instead of the side member 30 falling rapidly,uncontrollably, potentially making a noise, the wind brake cushions theside members fall, controlling the dropping velocity.

FIG. 3 corresponds to FIG. 2 and shows the opposing monolithic sidepanel 31 pivotally hinging about the base frame 19. Furthermore, FIG. 3shows the fully collapsed side panel 30 in position inside the bottomsupport frame 19.

It is important to note that the two monolithic side panels 30 and 31have a different vertical pivot position. This allows them both to stackcorrectly and flatly on top of one another, thus minimising thecollapsed vertical height.

FIG. 4 corresponds to FIG. 3 and shows both opposing monolithic sidepanels 30 and 31 in their most compact vertical position.

FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 4 and shows a bi-fold side panel assembly 11pivotally hinged about the top support frame 18 and base support frame19 in a partially collapsed orientation.

FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 5 and shows one fully collapsed bi-fold panelassembly 11 in its most compact vertical position.

FIG. 7 corresponds to FIG. 6 and shows the fully collapsed position ofthe container 10.

FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows the container 10 of the inventionwith the top member 34 open and hinged on the top support frame 18.

From FIG. 8, the reader will note that the corresponding top member 35contains an integral liner sealing member 80. Said member with befurther discussed with reference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows the container 10 of the inventionshown with the bottom member 81 securely attached to the two feetassemblies 20 in the open position.

FIG. 9 shows a side shoot assembly 82, by way of example only. Clearlythe experience reader will note that a vertical, gravity fed shootassembly or any other means of dispensing the contents of the box fromthe bottom is anticipated by the invention.

From FIG. 9, the side shoot assembly comprises of a base member 81 andone or more flap members 83 and 84. Said flap members 83 and 84 help toguide and direct the dispensed contents of the box in a side exit mannerand away from the footprint of the container 10.

The reader will note that the front and back feet 21 and 22 have avertical chamfer 85. This chamfer 85 is a female recess which permitsthe box to be lowered on a supporting frame 86 incorporating acorresponding male support. This support frame 86 and feature,positioned on each of the four corners of the container 10, carries thewhole weight of the container through the stiffest part of the container10 structure. The support frame 86 clearly has a recess/hole whichcorresponds with the shoot assembly 82, thereby permitting the shootassembly to drop under gravity and dispense the goods thereafter.

FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows an enlarged version of thecustomer identification member 40. The identification member assembly 40comprises of a cover 91 which is preferably constructed of clear plasticand a pivoting flap 92. In the open position said flap 92 permitspaperwork and documentation to be added in the recess 93 behind theprotective cover 91. Once the paperwork is inserted the flap 93 isclosed providing a substantially weather proof sealed enclosure. Ananti-tamper feature is also anticipated by the embodiment and can besupplied in various forms. By way of example only, said anti-tamperfeature could be a high strength adhesive backed security sticker thansecures the flap 92 to the cover 91 at the mating joint line. Thisembodiment is deemed to be an advantage given box contents and therecleanliness is vital in many industries such as the food and beverageindustry.

FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows an enlarged version of thebi-fold side member handle 100. Said handle 100 is pivoted, preferablyabout a common bi-fold hinge joint 15 between side members 13 and 14.Preferably said handle 100 is weighted so that it naturally falls flushunder gravity into the recess 101 in side member 14, when not used.

This handle 100 embodiment is of particular benefit to the user, givenit provides a means to positively displace a collapsed bi-fold sidemember assembly into its erected position.

FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 8 and shows both top members 34 and 35 ofthe container 10 in the open position. Also shown is a clearer view ofintegral the liner sealing member 80.

FIG. 13 shows a partial longitudinal view on the front foot assembly 20of the container 10 of the invention positioned on a conveyor 110adjacent to a second conveyor 111.

The reader will note that it is not uncommon for said conveyors 110 and111 to be vertically displaced to one another.

The front and rear feet 21 have a longitudinal chamber 112 whichcorresponds and accommodates any possible conveyor vertical displacementinaccuracies. Said foot chamfer 112 permits the container 10 to transitfrom conveyor to conveyor without damaging the containers feet.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 shows a partial longitudinal cross section of alive-spring hinge 120 of the invention in both a partially open position(FIG. 15) and a closed position (FIG. 14). The boss 121 on the topmember 122 has a discontinuation 123 which creates a tang 124. Said tang124 engages the lower member 125 to positively retain said lower member125 aligned with said upper member 122.

This embodiment of the invention is specifically advantageous to theuser during the assembly of the container 10 from the collapsed state.

FIG. 16 corresponds to FIG. 1 and shows an enlarged version of themonolithic side member handle assembly 33 of the container 10.

Said handle 33 contains a live-spring mechanism 130 which clips themonolithic side member 30 into alignment with the bi-fold side panelassembly 11. Said handle 33 also includes a recess which permits a userto put their fingers through the handle 33 and vertically plug themonolithic side member 30 into vertical alignment from the collapsedposition.

This dual function handle embodiment is deemed to be particularlyadvantageous as it reduces the manufacturing cost of the container andthe assembly time.

FIG. 17 corresponds to FIG. 12 and shows an enlarged version of theintegral ratchet liner sealing mechanism 140 mounted in the top member35.

Said liner sealing mechanism 140 comprises of a barrel 141 which ispivotally attached between support webs 142 and 143 of the top member35.

Said barrel 141 has a longitudinal orifice 144 which permits a liner tobe pushed through said orifice. The reader will note that liners aretypically large plastic bags which hold components in a ultra cleanenvironment within the container 10. Liners are often employed to storeand transport components to customer sites when no further componentcleaning operation is necessary.

The ends of the barrel 141 incorporate a series of circumferentialindentations 145. Said indentations correspond with a live-spring member146, as shown on the end view A-A.

In operation, when the liner is in position, the barrel 141 is allowedto rotate and in doing so, twists the top of the liner, sealing thecontents. The ratchet embodiment prevents the liner between un-sealed intransportation and general container 10 movement.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the non-collapsed container 150 with avertically sliding hinge mechanism in the top support frame 151. Saidvertically sliding mechanism is shown by way of example only, as a maleprotrusion 152 operating in a female extended recess 153 an is shown inan extended position.

FIG. 19 corresponds to FIG. 18 and shows a side view of thepart-collapsed container 150.

FIG. 20 corresponds to FIG. 18 and shows a side view of the collapsedcontainer 150 with a vertically sliding hinge mechanism in the topsupport frame 151 in its contracted position.

This specific embodiment of a sleeved top member 151 wrapping around theside walls of the container provides additional component storagecapacity when the assembly is non-collapsed yet minimises the compactheight when the container is fully collapsed.

This sliding sleeve top assembly embodiment is deemed to be ofincredible user benefit, as, by way of example only, it permits morecollapsed containers to be stored in a transportation lorry on thereturn journey back to the manufacturing plant.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric view o the erected container with one sideassembly 160, comprising of two side panels 161 and 162, said assembly160 having two horizontal hinge mechanisms 163 and 164. Said upper sidepanel 161 pivotably hinging about hinge mechanism 163 and said lowerside panel 162 pivotably hinging about hinge mechanism 164 between saidpanel 162 and said base frame 165.

FIG. 22 corresponds to FIG. 21 and shows a view of the upper side panel161 pivoting on the upper hinge 163 of the lower side panel 162 and thelower side panel 162 pivoting on the lower hinge 164 with the base frame165.

From FIGS. 21 and 22 it will be clear that the container of theinvention permits additional storage volume, over and above theotherwise permissible volume dictated by the size of the box footprint,as is the case when a single hinged side panel. This is considered to beextremely value adding as this embodiment of the invention means thatthe volume ratio of the erected container is not restricted by thefootprint of the container. Clearly, two, three or more hinges can beadded to any specific side panel to increase the height of saidcontainer.

FIG. 23 shows an isometric view of the security system 170, for boxidentification.

This comprises of a back member 171 which is preferably see through andtransparent so that the contents of the container can be viewed withoutexposing the contents to the outside.

The cover member 172 is preferably also see through and transparent.This is shown to slide vertically in a suitable recess/channel in thecontainer (not shown).

The embodiment of the invention is to create a gap between back member171 and cover member 172 for inspection of a label 173.

Above the cover member 171 is a peg 174. Preferably, said peg 174 is ashear pin. When the container is used, the label 173 must be removed. Inorder to remove the label 173 the sliding cover 173 must shear the peg174. This means that the contents of the container have been viewed,prior to the container being used. This is deemed important and valueadding to the customer and the supplier as it avoids mistakes of thewrong container contents being dispensed in the wrong production line.

1-32. (canceled)
 33. A collapsible container, comprising four verticalside assemblies, a base member, a top support frame and a top member,said base member substantially defining the footprint of the containerof “x” length and “y” width, wherein in a collapsed state the verticalheight of said collapsible container is the total sum of thicknesses “t”of each of said base member, said four vertical side assemblies and saidtop member substantially equivalent to six lots of “t,” yet in anon-collapsed state the vertical height of the container assembly issubstantially equivalent to the shorter length of a container footprint“x” length or “y” width.
 34. The collapsible container according toclaim 33, wherein at least one vertical side assembly of said verticalside assemblies has a folding construction, said folding constructioncomprising a plurality members pivotally hinged about their horizontalaxis.
 35. The collapsible container according to claim 33, wherein atleast one of vertical side assembly of said vertical side assemblies ispivotally hinged to at least one of said base member and said topsupport frame.
 36. The collapsible container according to claim 33,wherein a substantially monolithic side member is hinged in a verticalaxis to at least one of said base member and said top support frame, sothat an axis of pivot is displaced to a vertical hinging axis of anopposing side member.
 37. The collapsible container according to claim33, wherein said vertical side assemblies comprise two or more hingedmembers, is hinged to at least one of said base member and said topsupport frame in a vertical axis, so that an axis of pivot is displacedto a vertical hinging axis of an opposing side member.
 38. Thecollapsible container according to claim 33, further comprising a baseframe and with said base member being pivotally hinged to said baseframe.
 39. The collapsible container according to claim 38, wherein saidbase frame is capable of accepting at least one foot member ofsufficient vertical height for accepting forks from a fork lift truckused for lifting said collapsible container.
 40. The collapsiblecontainer according to claim 38, wherein said base member is pivotallyhinged to said base frame and at least one said vertical side assemblypivotally is hinged to said base frame.
 41. The collapsible containeraccording to claim 33, wherein said top support frame incorporates avertical sliding hinge sleeve assembly for permitting relative verticaldisplacement between said top support frame and one or more of saidvertical side assemblies.
 42. The collapsible container according toclaim 33, wherein at least one of said vertical side assemblies arenon-permanently attached at least one of another said vertical sideassembly, said top support frame, a base frame and a base member via ahandle comprising a live spring joining member.
 43. The collapsiblecontainer according to claim 42, wherein said handle is capable ofresisting forces at 90° to said live spring for using said handle as aside panel lifting device.
 44. The collapsible container according toclaim 33, wherein collapsible container is capable of dispensingcontents through either a bottom member or top member under gravity. 45.The collapsible container according to claim 33, further comprising acustomer identification member with an anti-tamper feature forpermitting traceability of contents back to a supplier.
 46. Acollapsible container, comprising four vertical side assemblies, a basemember, a top member, a base support frame and a top support frame, saidbase member substantially defining a footprint of a container of “x”length and “y” width, wherein in a collapsed state the vertical heightof said collapsible container is the total sum of thicknesses “t” ofsaid base member, said top member and said vertical side-assembliessubstantially equivalent to ten lots of “t” as each said vertical sideassembly is horizontally hinged and comprises of two or more members andeach said member has substantially the same footprint as saidcollapsible container, yet in a non-collapsed state the vertical heightof the collapsible container is substantially equivalent to twice thatof a shorter side of said footprint of said collapsible container, “x”length or “y” width.
 47. A collapsible container comprising a base, atop, a first pair of opposed side walls and a second pair of opposedside walls with each of side wall of said first pair of opposed sidewalls and said second pair of opposed side walls being hingedly mountedon said base for movement between an uncollapsed condition, wherein saidside wall extends from said base to said top, and a collapsed conditionwherein said side wall overlies said base, said side walls of first pairof opposed side walls being non-foldable and a first side wall of saidside walls being arranged for overlying a second side wall of said sidewalls when in said collapsed condition, said side walls of said secondpair of opposed side walls being foldable into two parts about asubstantially central hinge lying parallel to said base so that, in saidcollapsed condition, said side walls are folded and one said side wallsoverlies another said side wall.